Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josie tried to muster a retort, but Brandon wasn't having any of it.

"Look, Josie," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand, "you saved my life, and I'm just splashing a little cash. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here to spend a dime, right?"

Josie was at a loss for words. Anything more she said would just seem ungrateful. "Grandpa Brandon, I'm sure you've got plenty of good years ahead."

Brandon chuckled and nodded, "I'll take that as a good omen from you, Josie. If I can stick around long enough to see Oliver tie the knot and cuddle my great-grandkids, that's a life well-lived in my book." He looked content, and his eyes twinkled as if he could already see this joyous future.

"Josie, when's your family throwing you that graduation bash? You aced those exams. I bet your granddad's over the moon."

"I'm not into a big fuss," Josie murmured. "Just a family dinner will do."

"Don't forget to send me an invite," Brandon said with a smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"You'll be on the guest list, Grandpa Brandon. That's a promise."

Brandon beamed at her, growing fonder of Josie by the minute, secretly wishing Oliver could just whisk her away right then.

Their pleasant chat was interrupted when one of Brandon's old pals sauntered into the tea shop and spotted him. "Brandon, what brings you to this sugary joint? I thought sweets weren't your thing." Brandon remained seated, grinning ear to ear. "I may not have a sweet tooth, but my granddaughter does."

"Since when did you have a granddaughter?"

"Just adopted one," Brandon quipped.

His friend chuckled, "Well, my grandkid just aced her finals, scored a 650. We're throwing a little shindig next weekend."

The man couldn't hide his pride, but Brandon gave him a sidelong glance, unfazed. "Rhody, 650's alright, but my Josie here, she's the top science grad of the year. She's so modest she won't even let me throw her a party. If she did, I'd make sure it was a grand affair."

Rhody was taken aback. His own boasting turned to dust. He glanced at Josie and then back at Brandon. "Where did you pick up this granddaughter? Never heard you mention her. She for real?"NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.

Brandon's smile faded slightly, "Of

course she's real. My Josie's the champion. You wouldn't believe the schools falling over themselves to get her With her scores, the Ivy Leagues are knocking at her door. But what would you know, Rhody, with your short hair and shorter wit."

Josie felt out of place, caught in a whirlwind of praise she wasn't accustomed to. Brandon turned back to her. "Go on, Rhody, get your granddaughter a milkshake, and maybe boost my Josie's brand."

"What do you mean?"

"I bought the shop's brand for her," Brandon said nonchalantly, "for my dear granddaughter."

Rhody was stunned. Money really does talk!

Brandon went on, "Why not buy one for your granddaughter too?"

Rhody knew when he was outclassed. He sat down, half in disbelief. "Is she really your granddaughter, or is this Oliver's wife-to-be you're talking about?"